The Kids Wellness Podcast

The Kids Wellness Podcast is your hub for creating happier, healthier lives for children. Hosted by Giselle Shardlow M.Ed., founder of Kids Yoga Stories, this podcast features inspiring guests from all areas of children’s health and wellness. Whether you’re an educator, pediatric therapist, yoga instructor, counselor, parent, or anyone working with kids, each episode offers practical tools, engaging stories, and expert insights to help children thrive emotionally and physically. Join us as we explore easy-to-implement wellness practices to create calm spaces, foster resilience, and support young minds and bodies.

#081 How to Teach Chakras to Children in a Playful, Simple Way with Rachel Glowacki 10/11/2026

#081 How to Teach Chakras to Children in a Playful, Simple Way with Rachel Glowacki Discover how to teach chakras to children in a fun, playful, and approachable way through movement, music, storytelling, and connection. Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Rachel Glowacki, founder of Move With Me Books, as they explore how chakra concepts can help children better understand their emotions, bodies, and energy in simple, child-friendly ways. Inspired by her new book "All Through the Crown," Rachel shares how singing, movement, mindfulness, and storytelling create meaningful sensory memories for children while supporting emotional regulation, self-awareness, and connection. Some highlights: • A simple, child-friendly explanation of chakras and energy • Why chakras are really about understanding emotions and body sensations • How movement, singing, and storytelling help children learn and connect • The importance of the root chakra and helping children feel safe and grounded • Why adult energy and co-regulation matter when working with children • Powerful stories of children recognizing emotions and energy in their own bodies • How to introduce chakras without making them feel complicated or rigid Find Rachel here: Website: Instagram: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoveWithMe_Books "All Through the Crown" book: https://kindcotton.com/products/all-through-the-crown-book ***************** 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/42070905

#080 How to Support Student Emotional Health in Today’s Digital World with Ashley Williams 10/03/2026

#079 Climate Change for Kids: How Young People Can Create a Better World with authors Danica and Meera 09/26/2026

#079 Climate Change for Kids: How Young People Can Create a Better World with authors Danica and Meera How do we help young people understand climate change without overwhelming them? And how can children and teens make a meaningful difference in their communities? Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, with author Meera Subramanian and illustrator Danica Novgorodoff, creators of "A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis." Together, they discuss youth leadership, environmental education, the power of storytelling, and practical ways young people can take action and create positive change. Some highlights: • Why Danica and Meera felt compelled to create A Better World Is Possible • The power of combining personal stories with climate science • How storytelling helps young people connect with complex issues • Meaningful ways children and teens can make a difference without becoming full-time activists • Why simply talking about climate change can be a powerful action • The important role parents, teachers, and other caring adults play in nurturing environmental awareness • Real-life examples of young people creating change in their schools and communities • How educators can use the book across science, social studies, language arts, and civics • Why hope is something we do, not something we wait for • What gives Danica and Meera hope about the next generation Find Danica Novgorodoff and Meera Subramanian here: A Better World Is Possible website: A Better World Is Possible Facebook: A Better World Is Possible Instagram: @abetterworldthebook Meera Subramanian: Website: Facebook: Instagram: @meerasub LinkedIn: Danica Novgorodoff: Website: Instagram: @novgorodoff ***************** 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/42070735

#078 How to Integrate Yoga into Homeschool Curriculum with Erin Johnston 09/13/2026

#077 Why Children Need Yoga in Schools Now More Than Ever with Hannah Butterill 09/06/2026

#077 Why Children Need Yoga in Schools Now More Than Ever with Hannah Butterill Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Hannah Butterill, founder of The School Yoga Project, as they explore simple, sustainable ways to weave yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness into the school day. Hannah shares her personal journey as a classroom teacher navigating grief, stress, and overwhelm—discovering firsthand how movement, breath, and stories transformed her well-being and her students’ emotional regulation. Whether you're an educator, therapist, or school leader, Hannah offers practical, realistic tips for building confidence, engaging all learners, and creating mindful moments that support both children and staff. Some highlights: • How yoga and breathwork support emotional regulation for children • Simple “little and often” strategies that fit naturally into the school day • Why starting with educators builds confidence and consistency • How modeling, co-teaching, and repetition help students self-regulate • Creative ways to engage visual, kinesthetic, and reluctant learners • The powerful impact of yoga on teen girls’ confidence and resilience • How feedback from students and teachers guides effective implementation Find Hannah here: Instagram: @theschoolyogaproject Website: 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/41969550

#076 Mindful Monday - Quiet Stillness 08/23/2026

#075 Teaching Anatomy to Children in Kids Yoga Classes with Menka Purswaney 08/09/2026

#074 Adding Depth to Your Kids Yoga Classes with Katie Rose 07/26/2026

#073 A Blueprint for Joy and Resilience for Children, Educators, and Families with Jessica Janzen 07/12/2026

#073 A Blueprint for Joy and Resilience for Children, Educators, and Families with Jessica Janzen How do we choose joy when life feels overwhelming? And how can we help children build resilience, emotional regulation, and a positive mindset in the face of challenges? Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, with speaker, author, and coach Jessica Janzen. Drawing from her personal journey through profound grief and loss, Jessica shares practical tools for building resilience, managing difficult emotions, and finding more joy in everyday life. Some highlights: • Why managing your mind is one of the most important life skills • Jessica's concept of "Larry" and how to separate yourself from negative thoughts • The connection between movement, physical health, and emotional well-being • How joy differs from happiness • Why children often bring the joy and adults unintentionally dampen it • Practical ways to create more joy in classrooms and homes • The power of joy boards and evidence banks • How journaling helped Jessica's son process fear and anxiety • Why emotional regulation starts with allowing children to feel their emotions • The transformative question: "So now what?" • How perspective shifts can help us navigate life's hardest challenges • Why joy is a responsibility, not a circumstance Find Jessica Janzen here: Website: Love for Lewiston Foundation: Instagram: Love for Lewiston Instagram: “Bring the Joy” book (Amazon affiliate): 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/41826055

#072 Mindful Monday - Make Space 06/28/2026

#071 How to Help Kids Navigate Social Anxiety with Confidence and Compassion with Natasha Daniels 06/14/2026

#070 How To Help Kids Build Mind-Body Integration with Trish Keiller 06/07/2026

#070 How To Help Kids Build Mind-Body Integration with Trish Keiller Discover how mind-body integration can support emotional regulation and create more connected, engaged classrooms. Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Trish Keiller, founder of Roots Education, as they explore how neuroscience, somatic tools, and conscious language help children and educators build resilience, connection, and sustainable success. Drawing from over 30 years in education, Trish shares how small, everyday practices like noticing sensations, grounding through the feet, and being present can shift both individual regulation and the overall classroom environment. Some highlights: • Why mind-body integration is essential in today’s fast-paced world • What happens in the brain and body when children feel stressed or overwhelmed • The difference between reacting to stress and learning to regulate it • Three simple practices: noticing sensations, grounding through the feet, and being with discomfort • Why students benefit from consistent, small moments of awareness • A powerful story of students using yoga before a big game • How connection, play, and partner yoga can transform classroom culture Find Trish Keiller here: Website: LinkedIn: 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/41573325

#069 Helping Children Befriend Their Worries with Catherine Cook-Cottone 05/24/2026

#069 Helping Children Befriend Their Worries with Catherine Cook-Cottone Discover how to help children understand, manage, and even befriend their worries using mindfulness, movement, and self-awareness. Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Catherine Cook-Cottone, licensed psychologist, yoga therapist, and professor at the University at Buffalo, as they explore how anxiety shows up in children’s bodies, thoughts, and behaviors, and how we can support them with practical, research-backed tools. Drawing from her book “The Worry Monster” and decades of research, Catherine shares how mindfulness, yoga, and embodied practices can help children build resilience, regulate emotions, and connect more deeply to themselves and others. Some highlights: • The impact of yoga and mindfulness research in schools • What anxiety looks like in children’s behavior and the body • Why worry is not the enemy and how to build a healthy relationship with it • How emotions provide important information about relationships and values • Simple grounding practices like movement, breath, and body awareness • The importance of practicing calm before stressful moments arise • How repeated mindfulness practice becomes a lifelong skill • Real-life examples of helping children navigate anxiety with compassion Find Catherine Cook-Cottone here: Website: "The Worry Monster" book: 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/41385495

#068 Mindful Monday - Power of the Mind 05/18/2026

#067 How To Teach SEL To Young Learners with Vanessa Levin 05/10/2026

#066 How Yoga Support Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation with Nicole Koleshis 04/26/2026

#065 Mindful Monday - Mindful Writing 04/19/2026

#064 How To Help Children Thrive in the Digital Age with Rob LoCascio 04/12/2026

#064 How To Help Children Thrive in the Digital Age with Rob LoCascio Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Rob LoCascio, founder of KidCo.ai, as they explore the complicated relationship between children and technology. From Rob’s journey building a multi-billion-dollar AI company to walking away and creating a safer AI device for children, this conversation dives into addiction, values, balance, creativity, and how we move from screen consumption to meaningful creation. Together, they unpack what it means to raise children in an AI-driven world and how parents and educators can foster healthier, more intentional relationships with technology. Some highlights: • Why tech can feel both loved and hated at the same time for parents • The difference between consumption and creation in the digital world • How storytelling and character interaction can shift a child’s relationship with devices • Why family values matter more than screen-time rules alone • The importance of helping children build self-awareness with AI and chatbots • Practical advice for parents and educators navigating balance in an AI world Find Rob LoCascio here: Website: Instagram: Facebook: 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/40578125

#063 Strategies for Teen Mental Health from Clinical Psychologist with Emily Gordon 03/29/2026

#062 Mindful Monday - Release Meditation 03/15/2026

#061 How to Build an Emotional Toolkit with Jaime Amor of Cosmic Kids Yoga 03/01/2026

#061 How to Build an Emotional Toolkit with Jaime Amor of Cosmic Kids Yoga Discover how yoga, mindfulness, and storytelling help children build emotional regulation and resilience with Cosmic Kids Yoga founder Jaime Amor. Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Jaime Amor, founder of Cosmic Kids Yoga, as they explore how yoga, mindfulness, and storytelling help children understand and navigate their emotions. Jaime shares her journey from children’s entertainer to global yoga educator, and how she developed creative tools that make emotional regulation, resilience, and self-awareness accessible—and fun—for children everywhere. Some highlights: • How childhood experiences inspired Jaime’s mission to help children name and manage their emotions • The origin story behind Cosmic Kids and how yoga adventures engage kids’ bodies and imaginations • Bringing ancient yoga wisdom into modern classrooms and homes • Why playful, embodied teaching creates authentic connection and focus • Simple ways parents and educators can model mindfulness in everyday life • Practical tools to build emotional literacy and self-regulation • Jaime’s reflections on her new Sky Kids TV show and how media can open doors to mindfulness Find Jaime Amor here: Website: Instagram: instagram.com/cosmickidsyoga YouTube: youtube.com/cosmickidsyoga Facebook: facebook.com/cosmickidsyoga App: app.cosmickids.com 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/40280980

#060 How to Create Play-Based Learning Experiences in Your Yoga Classes with Amy Nielson 02/15/2026

#059 Mindful Monday - Just Be Meditation 02/01/2026

#058 How to Teach Culturally Responsive SEL with Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta 01/18/2026

#058 How to Teach Culturally Responsive SEL with Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta, co-author of "The Change You Want to See" and Deputy Superintendent of Harlem Community School, as they explore how mindfulness, cultural responsiveness, and social-emotional learning (SEL) transform school communities. Drawing from her 30 years as an educator and leader in Harlem, Dr. DeCosta shares her personal journey and practical tools for creating schools where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Some highlights: • How "The Change You Want to See" emerged from leading through the pandemic • What culturally responsive and affirming SEL looks like in practice • Building belonging through self-awareness, mindfulness, and connection • The power of consistent daily mindfulness in transforming school culture • How courageous leadership creates trust, inclusion, and collaboration • Practical advice for educators who fear “getting it wrong” in cultural conversations • Three key steps to start a mindfulness and SEL practice in your school • Why belonging is the foundation for student and teacher success Find Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta here: Bluesky: @decostadawn.bsky.social LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dawnd2 Instagram: @decostadawn Facebook: facebook.com/share/17SWiAftGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website: crasel.net EdWeek webinar: event.on24.com/wcc/r/4958646/4500AE53823221BC3B9545977E800930 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/39715730

#057 How to Lead Large Group Yoga Assemblies in Schools with Lauren Chaitoff 12/28/2025

#056 How to Cater to 3 Lesser-Known Sensory Systems in Kids Yoga Class with Claire Heffron 12/21/2025

#055 Mindful Monday - Feel Good Meditation 12/15/2025

#054 How Occupational Therapy Enhances Social Emotional Learning in Schools with Heather Greutman 11/30/2025

#053 School Trends 2025: 75% of Children Struggle with Self-Regulation with Margaret Rice 11/16/2025

#053 School Trends 2025: 75% of Children Struggle with Self-Regulation with Margaret Rice Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Margaret Rice, founder of Your Therapy Source, as they unpack the results of a nationwide survey with over 1,000 school-based therapists and educators. The findings reveal a growing crisis in self-regulation among children and highlight the urgent need for movement, mindfulness, and play in classrooms. Margaret shares surprising insights from the survey and practical strategies to support children’s focus, behavior, and resilience. From calm corners and movement breaks to co-regulation and play-based learning, discover tools that can make a difference for both students and teachers. Some highlights: • Key findings from a nationwide school trends survey • Why self-regulation and emotional regulation are top challenges in schools • How mindfulness, movement breaks, and calm-down corners improve focus and behavior • The role of co-regulation, collaboration, and play-based learning • Actionable tools and resources for educators and pediatric therapists Find Margaret Rice here: Website: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourTherapySource 🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere. Connect with us: Instagram: Website: Shop: /episode/index/show/1677e610-3bb0-4265-85d2-f484dfd4f6b3/id/38526765

#052 - How to Create an Inclusive, Accessible, & Trauma-Informed Yoga Class with Larissa Noto 11/02/2025

The Kids Wellness Podcast

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